ALAN Griffin made a ‘Roy of the Rovers’ return to the Chippenham Town side in North Devon as his 20th-minute strike earned the Bluebirds a valuable three points and also saw them notch their third league double of the season.

Griffin, Malmesbury Vics' player-manager, only signed dual-registration forms for the Bluebirds 24 hours earlier, his signing being a timely replacement for striker Ashan Holgate, whose knee injury is likely to keep him out of the side for several weeks.

Ironically, Griffin left Chippenham after a knee injury of his own forced him to quit the game at Southern League level.

His last appearance in Chippenham’s colours, being on August 16th 2014 where he scored in a 3-0 victory over Arlesey Town at Hardenhuish Park.

With centre back Mark Preece suspended Chippenham also gave a start to Chippenham Park defender Shane Blackmore in defence.

Bideford had the better of the opening exchanges with Billy Tucker spurning the Robins best chance. The Bluebirds took the lead on twenty minutes when a cross from Michael Pook was converted from close range by Griffin.

After the break Chippenham looked to defend their lead and did so with only the occasional scare. Bideford substitute Ed Palmer saw Kent Kauppinen save his free kick whilst he headed a late effort over the bar.

The win sees Chippenham move up to second in the Southern Premier Division table.

Chippenham: Kent Kauppinen, Luke Ballinger, Harry Grant, Michael Pook, Greg Tindle, Shane Blackmore, Alex Ferguson, James Guthrie, Alan Griffin, Andy Sandell, Matt Jones.

Subs: Alioune Diouf, Matt Smith, Scott Bevan, Ryan Campbell, Chris Allen.

Referee: Scott Jackson

Attendance: 123

REACTION TO CHIPPENHAM'S WIN LATER AT GAZETTEANDHERALD.CO.UK/SPORT AND IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD